M.S.Ed. Program in Science Education

This program leads to a master's degree in Science Education. Upon completion of additional requirements, candidates will be eligible to receive New York State Initial Certification to teach one or more of the following sciences at the level of adolescent education (Grades 7-12): biology, chemistry, earth science, general science, and physics.

To be eligible for the Science Education Master's Program, potential students must fall into one of the following categories:

Sequence 1: For candidates who have, or are eligible for, Initial Certification in subjects other than science and who seek certification as science teachers.

Sequence 2: For candidates who have completed at least 36 credits in biology, chemistry, geology, or physics, but who lack professional education coursework and who seek Initial Certification.

Sequence 3: For candidates who hold a valid Transitional B certificate in biology, chemistry, earth science, general science, or physics, Grades 7-12, from New York State.

Science Education Admission Requirements

1. Possess a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited college or university with an overall index of 3.0 or better.

2. Demonstrate the ability to successfully pursue graduate study. (Above-average achievement in academic work and in the teaching specialization is required).

3. Submission of scores on the New York State Academic Literacy Skills Test (ALST) and Content Specialty Test (CST).

4. For Sequence 1 admission: An undergraduate science major or the equivalent and a minor in middle and high school education or the equivalent.

5. For Sequence 2 and 3 admission: At least 36 credits in biology, chemistry, geology, or physics. Matriculants may be asked to complete undergraduate and/or graduate prerequisite coursework in addition to degree requirements, based on the evaluation of their credentials by an adviser in the Science Education Program.

6. Satisfy appropriate voice, speech, and health standards.

7. Submit two letters of recommendation, at least one of which is from a college or university science instructor.

8. Personal interview.

Science Education Degree Requirements

Students must consult with an adviser in the Science Education Program before starting their master's program. During their first semester, matriculated students are required to plan their graduate program with an adviser in the Science Education Program. Students must complete one of the three sequences outlined below.

Curriculum

The curriculum for each sequence is distributed in four instructional modules as follows:

Sequence 1 (33-36 credits)

Core Education Sequence (3-6 credits): ESC 529 (3) Based on the Program Coordinator's assessment of prior experience and qualification, candidates may also be required to take ESC 519 (3).

Graduate Science Content (12 credits): Science content course requirements must align with undergraduate science preparation and with intended certification subject area. Consult with an adviser in the Science Education Program for the appropriate course(s) to satisfy this requirement. Such courses may include but are not limited to:

Graduate Science Content (6-12 credits): Science content course requirements must align with undergraduate science preparation and with intended certification subject area. Consult with an adviser in the Science Education Program for the appropriate course(s) to satisfy this requirement. Such courses may include but are not limited to:

Graduate Science Content (6-8 credits): Science content course requirements must aligned with undergraduate science preparation and with intended certification subject area. Consult with an adviser in the Science Education Program for the appropriate course(s) to satisfy this requirement. Such courses may include but are not limited to: